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Contents 

Editorials 

Jesus       -     -       President  J.  E.  Ramseyer 

What  WiU  You  Do  Without  Him, 

Francis  Ridley  Havergal 
Celebrating  Christmas  -  Hazel  E.  Butz 
Observations  of  An  Army  Chaplain, 

S.  A.  Witmer 
The  Third  Generation  -  Lillian  Zeller 
The  Testimony  of  a  Man  Who  Knew, 

J.  Pritchard  Amstutz 
Children  are  Real  People, 

Helen  P.  White 
The  Fellowship  CircU  at  Home  and 
Abroad   -----   Luella   Miller 


PORT  WAYNE 

BIBLF 
INSTITUTfc 


Published  at  Bo. 


Wayne  Bible  Institi 


THE  BIBLE  VISION 

A  Bimonthly  Journal  Reflecting  the  Light  of  the  Bible 
on  us  and  our  times. 


Vol.   Vin  DECEMBER,    1943  Na.   2 

Published  bimonthly   at  Berne,   Indiana,  by 

THE  FORT  WAYNE  BIBLE  INSTITUTE 

Editor,  Loyal  R.  Ringenberg  Associate  Editor,  Helen  P.  White 

Contributing  Editors:  S.  A.  Witmer 

A.  W.  TOZER 

Lauren  Garner 
Alumni  Editor 

and 
Circulation  Manager,  Luella  Miller 

Economy  Printing  Concern,  Berne,  Indiana,  Publisher 

Subscription  Rate:    $1.00  per  two  years;  50c  per  yeat;   10c  per  copy. 

Address  all  correspondence  regarding  subscriptions  or  subject- 
matter  to  the  Bible  Vision,  Berne,  Indiana,  or  to  the  Fort  Wayne  Bible 
Institute,  Fort  Wayne  6,  Indiana. 

Entered  as  second-class  mail  matter  at  the  post  office  at  Berne, 
Indiana,  under  the  Act  of  March  3,  1879. 


What? 

What  are  churches  for  but  .to  make  missionaries? 

What  is  education  for  but  to  train  them? 

What  is  commerce  for  but  to  carry  them? 

What  is  money  for  but  to  send  them? 

What  is  life  for  but  to  fulfill  the  purpose  of  missions — the 
crowning  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  hearts  of  men? — Augustus  H,  Strong. 


EDITORIALS 

Dedication 

The  Bible  Institute  is  pleased  to  dedicate  the  Christmas  issue  of 
the  Bible  Vision  to  its  alumni  and  other  friends  in  the  armed  forces. 
True  to  the  ideals  of  the  Bible  Institute  it  is  evident  that  our  men 
are  making  their  influence  felt  for  Christ.  Some  are  serving  as 
chaplains  and  assistant  chaplains.  Others  write  of  their  opportunity 
to  testify  for  Christ  to  large  numbers  of  men  who  are  thinking  seri- 
ously of  their  relationship  with  God  and  who  seek  spiritual  guid- 
ance. It  is  our  fervent  prayer  that  they  may  keep  their  hearts  so 
filled  with  divine  love  that  even  amidst  prevailing  passions  of  war 
the  clear  and  radiant  glory  of  God  may  shine  abroad. 


A  General  Faces  Life  With  Christ 

Lieutenant-General  Sir  W.  G.  Dobbie,  Commander-and-Chief 
at  Malta,  and  with  the  distinctions  K.  C.  B.,  C.  M.  G.,  D.  S.  O., 
clears  the  person  of  Christ  of  any  legendary  atmosphere  as  he  tells 
us  in  clear-cut  evangelical  style  what  Christ  means  to  him: 

"I  gladly  give  my  testimony  to  the  saving  and  keeping  power 
of  God  in  Christ. 

"I  came  to  know  Him  as  my  Saviour  forty-seven  years  ago,  and 
all  through  my  military  service  to  the  present  day  He  has  been  my 
Saviour  and  Lord.  Although  I  have  often  and  often  been  unfaith- 
ful to  Him,  yet  He  has  never  been  unfaithful  to  me,  nor  has  He  let 
me  down.  I  have  always  been  sensible  of  the  fact  that  my  sins, 
which  were  forgiven  me  when  I  first  accepted  Him  as  my  Saviour, 
were  blotted  out  once  for  all,  and  that  in  spite  of  my  failures  I  have 
become  'a  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus.'  That  realization  has  given 
me  a  profound  peace  which  none  of  the  circumstances  of  army  life 
in  peace  or  war  have  been  able  to  disturb. 

"I  should  also  like  to  testify  that  to  serve  God  and  to  follow 
Him  is  a  very  real  and  practical  thing  in  the  Army.  The  help  that 
He  gives  is  also  real  and  practical,  as  I  have  proved  times  with- 
out number.  I  have  made  it  a  habit  to  bring  all  my  problems  to 
Him,  both  great  and  small,  both  professional  and  private,  and  I  can 
testify  that  the  help  He  gives  is  certain  and  convincing. 

"I  have  known  Him  now  for  forty-seven  years,  and  I  could  not 
face  life  without  Him.  I  pity  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart  those 
who  are  trying  to  live  without  Him.  They  little  know  what  they 
are  missing — it  is  no  small  thing  to  know  that  all  the  past  has  been 
forgiven,  that  help  from  the  hands  of  Almighty  God  is  available  for 
the  present,  and  that  the  whole  future  for  eternity  is  assured.    I  am 


THE    BIBLE     VISION 


not  presumptuous  when  I  say  I  know  that,  because  it  has  all  been 
given  to  me  by  His  grace — apart  from  my  own  deserts.  I  commend 
such  a  Saviour  to  all." 


Where  is  the  Christ  of  Christmas? 

As  the  story  of  the  Christ-child  is  retold  this  Christmastide  it 
may  be  well  to  clarify  our  minds  as  to  the  present  day  bearings  of 
this  child's  birth  for  us.  Twentieth  century  versions  of  the  Christ 
have  obscured  His  true  identity.  The  Christmas  story  has  been 
lowered  to  the  status  of  legendary  and  mythology  by  men  in  high 
ecclesiastical  positions.  The  influence  of  this  prodigal  scholarship 
has  made  itself  felt  in  church  pulpits,  church  schools,  and  eventually 
at  the  very  fireside.  Thus  Jesus  has  come  to  be  commonly  associ- 
ated with  the  "once  upon  a  time"  dreamy  culture  heroes  of  my- 
thology. 

How  the  clear  facts  of  Scripture  contrast  with  the  modern 
versions  of  Christ!  Christ  is  alive.  He  is  in  heaven  at  the  throne 
of  power  and  grace.  He  waits  to  hear  prayer.  On  behalf  of  those 
who  call  upon  Him  His  presence  is  manifest  in  all  the  earth.  He  is 
a  compassionate,  sympathetic  high  priest.  He  receives  the  spirits 
of  those  who  die  believing  in  Him.  He  will  one  day  return,  to  es- 
tablish everlasting  peace  and  righteousness  in  the  earth,  banishing 
the  blight  which  afflicts  humanity.  Christ  has  assumed  a  complete 
redemptive  program  which  will  restore  humanity  to  a  glory  never 
yet  realized.  Even  the  present  blessedness  of  Christian  fellowship 
is  but  the  earnest  of  the  future  order.  Paul  says  that  through  Christ 
we  (Christians)  have  been  raised  up  that  in  "the  ages  that  are  com- 
ing, he  might  show  the  surpassing  riches  of  his  grace  in  kindness  to 
us  through  Christ  Jesus." 


"THE    GREATEST    MISSION-  the  scriptures. 

ARY"  Christ   was   a  children's  mis- 
Christ  was  a  home  missionary,  sionary,  when  He  took  them  in 

in  the  house  of  Lazarus.  His  arms  and  blessed  them. 

Christ  was  a  foreign  mission-  ^^^^^st  was  a  missionary  to  the 

ary,  when  the  Greeks  came  to  Poor,  when  He  opened  the  eyes 

Him.  of  t^e  beggar. 

Christ  was  a  city  missionary,  Christ  was  a  missionary  to  the 

when  He  taught  in  Samaria.  rich,  when  He  called  Zacchaeus.  0 

Christ   was  a   Sunday   School  Even  on  the  cross,  Christ  was 

missionary,  when  He  opened  up  a  missionary  to  a  lost  thief,  and 

the  scriptures  to  two  disciples  of  His  last  command  was  the  mis- 

Emmaus  and  set  them  studying  sionary  commission. — Anon. 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


/ 


By 

President 
J.  E.  RAMSEYER 


"Thou    Shalt    call    His    name    Jezus" 
(Matthew  1:21). 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  spoke 
the  words  of  our  text  to  Joseph 
when  he  announced  to  him  the 
nativity  of  our  ever  blessed  Re- 
deemer. 

At  this  time  of  the  year  the 
Church  is  speaking  and' writing 
more  of  the  Babe  of  Bethlehem 
than  at  any  other  season. 

We  would  call  attention  that 
in  the  Bible  more  then  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  names  and 
titles  are  given  Him  who  is 
called  "Wonderful."  One  name 
or  title  could  not  express  fully 
who  and  what  He  is.  Each  name 
is   expressive    of    some   specific 

Kspect  of  His  wonderful  char- 
cter  and  ministry.  The  most 
glorious  p^rt  of  this  fact  is,  that 
al]  that  these  titles  signifv,  He 
i^  for  them  th?t  love  and  follow 
Him  now.    O  what  a  heritage! 


I  want  to  call  attention  here, 
that  the  name  JESUS  stands  at 
the  head  of  this  long  list.     It  is 
His  human   name.     The     name 
which  stands  out  more  than  any 
of  the  others,  in  connection  with 
His  great  redemptive  work.     In 
addition  to  what  the  angel  said 
to  Joseph,  "Thou  shalt  call  his 
name   Jesus:    for  he   shall   save 
his  people   from   their   sins"   — 
note,  three  other  passages:    "For 
the^e  is  one  God,  and  one  medi- 
ator between  God  and  men,  the 
man    Christ    Jesus:     who    gave 
himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be 
testified   in   due   time"    (I   Tim. 
2:5,  6). 

"Whe'efore  God  also  hath 
h^Vhly  exalted  him,  and  given 
him  a  name  which  is  above 
every  name:  that  at  the  name 
of  Jpsus  everv  knee  should  bow, 
of  things  in  heaven,  and  things 
in  earth,  and  things  under  the 
earth"   (Phil.  2:8,  9). 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


"Because  he  hath  appointed  a 
day,  in  the  which  he  will  judge 
the  world  in  righteousness  by 
that  man  whom  he  hath  or- 
dained; where  of  he  hath  given 
assurance  unto  all  men,  in  that 
he  hath  raised  him  from  the 
dead"    (Acts   17:31). 

A  Memorable  Night 

I  was  sick  in  body,  and  se- 
verely tested  in  my  soul  and 
spirit.  I  did  not  sleep  a  wink, 
and  heard  the  clock  strike  every 
hour.  I  was  reminded  of  how  I 
was  saved  behind  the  plow  on 
my  grandfather's  farm  in  Can- 
ada— but  I  could  not  lay  hold  on 
that  blessed  experience.  Then 
I  was  led  to  think  of  how,  in  the 
willow  bush  on  the  little  farm 
in  Michigan,  the  Lord  gave  me 
the  Holy  Spirit,  and  filled  my 
being  with  His  glory  so  that  I 
sprang  to  my  feet,  and  sang  a 
heavenly  song — but  I  could  not 
cling  to  that.  I  recalled  how  He 
had  brought  me  back  from  the 
jaws  of  death;  how  He  had 
healed  me  at  different  times;  and 
of  many,  many  other  manifesta- 
tions of  His  grace  and  power  in 
my  own  life  and  in  many  others; 
but,  nothing  helped  me  —  all 
was  dark  —  and  I  saw  that, 
though  He  had  done  so  much  for 
me,  yet  I  would  go  under,  unless 
Jesus  would  hold  me  up. 

After  praying  for  a  long  time, 
all  I  could  say  was  Jesus!  Je- 
sus!! Jesus!!  I  repeated  the 
name  hundreds  of  times:  then 
this  word  came  from  Him,  "As 
they  went  they  were  healed." 


This  is  the  way  it  came  to  me. 
I  leaned  hard  on  this  word,  and© 
obeyed:  and  He  brought  me  out 
into  a  larger  place  than  I  had 
ever  known  before. 

In  that  night  I  learned  more 
fully  the  blessing,  and  power, 
and  value  of  the  name  of  JESUS. 

If  it  were  not  for  Jesus,  we 
would  not  have  any  experiences 
in  heavenly  things.     But,  let  us 
never  forget,  that  it  is  Jesus  that 
holds  us,  and  carries  us  through, 
and   not   our   experiences,   how- 
ever scriptural  they  may  be. 
"The  great  Physician  now  is  near, 
The  sympathizing  Jesus; 
He  speaks  the  drooping  heart  to  cheer, 
Oh,  hear  the  voice  of  Jesus.  ^ 

"Sweetest  note  in  seraph's  song, 
Sweetest  name  on  mortal  tongue; 
Sweetest  carol  ever  sung, 
Jesus,  blessed  Jesus." 


"BIG  MONEY" 

I  am-  twenty-five  cents. 

I  am  not  on  speaking  terms 
with  the  butcher. 

I  am  too  small  to  buy  a  quart 
of  ice  cream. 

I  am  not  large  enough  to  buy 
a  box  of  candy. 

I  am  too  small  to  buy  a  ticket 
to   the  movies. 

I  am  hardly  fit  for  a  tip —        W 

But,  believe  me, 

When  I  go  to  church  on  Sun- 
day  I  am  big  money. — Anon,       | 


THE    BIBLK    VISION 


What  Will  You  Do  Without  Him? 

By  Francis  Ridley  Havergal 


I  could  not  do  without  Him! 

Jesus  is  more  to  me 
Than  all  the  richest,  fairest  gifts 

Of  earth  could  ever  be. 
But  the  more  I  find  Him  precious, 

And  the  more  I  find  Him  true, 
The  more  I  long  for  you  to  find 

What  He  can  do  for  you. 

You  need  not  do  without  Him, 

For  He  is  passing  by; 
He  is  waiting  to  be  gracious — 

Only  waiting  for  your  cry; 
He  is  waiting  to  receive  you — 

To  make  you  all  His  own! 
Why  will  you  do  without  Him, 

And  wander  on  alone? 

Why  will  you  do  without  Him? 

Is  He  not  kind  indeed? 
Did  He  not  die  to  save  you? 

Is  He  not  all  you  need? 

fo  you  not  want  a  Savior? 
Do  you  not  want  a  Friend? 
One  who  will  love  you  faithfully, 
And  love  you  to  the  end? 


What  will  you  do  without  Him 

In  the  long  and  dreary  day 
Of  trouble  and  perplexity, 

When  you  do  not  know  the  way. 
And  no  one  else  can  help  you, 

And  hope  corres  not  wi+h  morning 
And  hope  come?  not  with  morrning 

And  rest  com^s  not  with  night? 

What  will  you  do  without  Him 

When  death  is  drawing  near, 
Without  His  love — the  only  love 

That  casts  out  every  fear — 
When  the  shadow-valley  opens, 

Unlighted  and  unknown. 
And  the  terrors  of  its  darkness 

Must  all  be  passed  alone? 


What  will  you  without  Him 

When  the  great  white  throne  is  set, 
And  the  Judge  who  never  can  mistake 

And  never  will  forget — 
The  Judge  whom  you  have  never  here 

As  Friend  and  Savior  sought — 
Shall  summon  you  to  give  account 

Of  deeds  and  words  and  thoughts? 

What  will  you  do  without  Him 

When  He  has  shut  the  door, 
And  you  are  left  outside  because 

You  would  not  come  before? 
When  it  is  no  use  knocking — 

No  use  to  stand  and  wait; 
For  the  word  of  doom  tolls  thro'  your 
heart 

That  terrible  "Too  late!" 

You  cannot  do  without  Him! 

There  is  no  other  name 
By  which  you  ever  can  be  saved. 

No  way,  no  hope,  no  claim! 
Of  love  and  life  and  light! 

Without  Him — everlasting  loss 
Without  Him — everlasting  woe 

And  everlasting  night. 

But  with  Him.  oh,  with  Jesus! 

Are  any  words  so  blest? 
With  Jesu"?.  everlasting  joy 

And  everlasting  rest! 
With  Jesus — all  the  empty  heart 

Filled  with  perfect  love; 
With  Jesus — perfect  peace  below 

And  perfect  bliss  above. 

Why  should  you  do  without  Him? 

It  is  not  yet  too  late; 
He  has  not  closed  the  day  of  grace. 

He  has  not  shut  the  gate. 
He  cpII?  you — hush!  He  calls  you! 

He  would  not  have  you  go 
Another  sten  without  Him 

Because  He  loves  you  so. 


I 


Why  will  you  do  without  Him? 

He  calls  and  calls  again, 
"Come  unto  Me!  Come  unto  Me!" 

Oh,  shall  He  wait  in  vain? 
He  wants  to  have  you  with  Him, 

Do  you  not  want  Him.  too? 
You  cannot  do  without  Him, 

And  He  wants — even  you. 


NOTE:  Copies  of  the  above  poem  may  be  secured  In  beautiful  tra<?t  form  jErpm  the  Goo4 
News  PubUshlng  Co..  322  W.  Washington,  Chicago,  HL        .     . 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


(Jlelfbraltng 
OllinsJtmas 

By   Hazel   E.   Butz 

The  writer  is  Dean  of  Women  and 
instructor  of  English  and  History  at 
the  Fort  Wayne  Bible  Institute.  This 
article  is  her  response  to  the  Editor's 
requert  that  someone  ought  to  dis- 
mantle popular  Christmas  celebration 
and  set  forth  the  really  essential  ele- 
ments of  the  celebration. 


Have  you  ever  wondered  as 
you  approached  the  Christmas 
season  just  how  you  could  best 
celebrate  the  birthday  of  Jesus? 
Have  you  ever  seriously  sought 
to  commemorate  the  Advent  of 
your  Lord  in  such  a  way  that 
He  would  be  honored  and 
pleased?  Or  have  you  permitted 
a  rereading  of  the  Christmas 
story;  attendance  at  Christmas 
programs;  the  lighting  of  the 
Christmas  tree;  the  gift  shopping 
for  friends;  the  cheery  greetings 
by  card,  word,  or  letter;  the  prep- 
aration and  consumption  of  a 
delicious  dinner  to  constitute  the 
observation  of  the  birth  of  the 
Central  Fimire  of  time  and 
eternitv?  Each  one  is  good  in 
itself,  but  even  a  combination  of 
all  falls  far  short  of  the  real 
Christmas  spirit.  Are  there  not 
transcending  and  more  satisfac- 
tory wavs  of  keeping  Christmas? 
In  Meditatton  Remember 

As  you  meditate  upon  the 
storv  again  and  recaU  the  inr^'- 
dent$  surrounding  the  birth  of 


Jesuci,  leiiicinuLr  ui^i  o^uci  sent 
His  only  begotten  Son,  the  most 
priceless  Treasure  that  has  ever 
been  given  to  humanity.  Cloth- 
ing this  heavenly  Gift  in  the 
visible  and  tangible  garments  d^ 
flesh,  God  sent  Him  through  His 
chosen  instrument,  the  virgin 
Mary,  that  all  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  by  the  proph- 
et. At  the  appointed  time,  in 
the  ''fullness  of  times,"  when 
under  the  Roman  government 
Greek  culture,  transportation 
facilities,  and  temporary  cessa- 
tion of  war  together  with  other 
factors  had  completed  setting 
the  stage  for  His  coming;  Mary 
delivered  God's  Gift  in  Bethle- 
hem of  Judaea,  as  the  prophets 
had  said. 

Remember,  too,  that  Jesus 
came  as  Deity  in  the  flesh.  The 
prophet  had  said  that  His  name 
should  be  called  Emmanuel, 
which  is  interpreted,  "God  wit^ 
us."  The  Gift  came  to  earth 
both  as  the  express  image  of 
God  and  as  the  brother  of  men. 
In  Emmanuel  God  and  man  were 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


[nade  one.  Jesus,  by  virtue  of 
pis  Deity  and  His  fiesh,  was  in 
vital  relationship  with  both  God 
and  man.  Thus  it  was  possible 
[or  Him  to  accomplish  the  pur- 
pose for  which  God  sent  Him. 

This  brings  you  to  the  third 
:hing  which  you  need  to  re- 
nember  at  this  season:  Jesus 
:ame  for  the  purpose  of  saving 
mmortal  souls,  who  like  Him- 
self dwell  in  houses  of  clay  for 
1  comparatively  short  time.  The 
Diophet  had  said  that  His  name 
should  be  called  Jesus  because 
Ee  should  save  His  people  from 
:heir  sins.  In  meditating  upon 
His  purpose  ask  yourself  the 
juiestion:  *'Has  His  purpose 
R?en  accomplished  with  me?"  If 
lot,  there  could  be  nothing  finer 
for  the  observance  of  His  birth- 
iay  than  to  let  Him  save  you 
'.Torn,  your  sins  and  be  admitted 
;o  your  heart.  Then  it  will  be 
>^  o  u  r  privilege  to  celebrate 
Christmas  in  the  highest  sense 
:hat  you  have  ever  known. 

In  Spirit  Rejoice 
Those  who  had  eagerly  antici- 
pated the  coming  of  the  Mes- 
siah rejoiced  at  His  birth.  Mary, 
vhen  she  knew  that  she  was  to 
nbther  the  Son  of  God,  magni- 
led  the  Lord  and  rejoiced  in 
j-od  her  Savior.  As  she  laid 
jlim  on  His  lowly  bed,  the  heav- 
ily host  appeared  with  the 
Pgel  praising  God.  The  shep- 
lerds  who  heard  the  angel  cho- 
'us  and  who  went  promptly  to 
;ee  the  Child  returned,  glorify- 
ng  God  for  all  they  had  heard 


and  seen.  A  few  days  later  when 
the  parents  brought  Jesus  to  the 
temple  to  be  dedicated,  Simeon 
blessed  God  while  he  held  in  his 
arms  that  precious  O  n  e  in 
whom  dwelt  all  the  fullness  of 
the  Godhead.  While  Simeon  re- 
joiced that  he  had  been  allowed 
to  see  the  Salvation  of  God, 
Anna  came  upon  the  scene;  she, 
too,  gave  thanks  unto  the  Lord. 
Later  (how  much  later,  we  are 
not  sure)  the  wise  men  wor- 
shipped Him  as  they  knelt,  ex- 
pressing their  gratitude  in  the 
presentation  of  valuable  gifts. 
From  these  who  were  nearly 
two  millenniums  nearer  His 
birth  than  we,  there  is  wafted 
to  us  the  fragrance  of  joy  which 
peivaded  human  and  angelic 
spirits  that  first  Christmas  sea- 
son. 

As  you  reread  the  beautiful 
story  of  the  first  Christmas,  and 
as  you  feel  the  spirit  which  char- 
acterized those  worshipping 
hearts,  rejoice.  Rejoice  that 
God  sent  His  Gift  not  only  to 
men  as  a  race  but  to  you  as  an 
individual,  that  He  is  born  in 
your  heart  and  lives  there  to- 
day, that  you  have  been  per- 
mitted to  see  the  Salvation  of 
God.  Sing  with  the  hymn  writer: 

"Joy  to  the  world!  The  Lord  is  come, 

Let  earth  receive  her  king; 

Let  every  heart  prepare  Hm  room. 

And  heav'n  and  nature  sing." 
Or   appreciate     with     Helen  P. 
White  the  following  lines  which 
she  has  written: 

"O  King  Emmanuel 

We  hail  Thy  coming 

In  lowly,  humble  birth. 


Id 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


The  gift  unspeakable, 

Our  God,  Himself,  Incarnate." 

In  Gratituhe  Give 
There  is  another  way  of  cele- 
brating Christmas  which  is 
prominent  in  the  Christmas 
story,  that  of  giving.  God  gave 
His  Son  and  Christ  gave  Him- 
self to  a  very  needy  world.  Gi  ati- 
tude  for  God's  supreme  gift 
ought  to  prompt  you  to  respond 
with  the  best  that  you  have  to 
give.  No  better  gift  can  you  of- 
fer to  God  than  yourself.  No 
greater  donation  can  you  make 
to  this  needy  world  than  your- 
self, cleansed  and  accepted  by 
God.  This  bringing  of  self  to 
God  ought  to  precede  all  other 
giving,  since  the  presentation  of 
money,  deeds,  and  words  are  to 
no  avail  unless  they  proceed 
from  pure  motives  and  a  self- 
giving  spirit.  The  wise  men 
first  brought  themselves  to  Je- 
sus in  humility  and  worship; 
then  they  presented  their  gifts 
of  gold,  frankincense,  and 
myrrh. 

Self-giving  in  service  glorifies 
God,  edifies  others,  and  refresh- 
es the  giver.  Or  as  James  Rus- 
sell Lowell  so  aptly  has  Christ 
to  say  in  "The  Vision  of  Sir 
Launfal": 

"Who  gives  himself  with  his  alms,  feeds 

three 
Himself,  his  hungering  neighbor,   and 

me." 

At  this  Christmas  season  you 
are  faced  with  limitations  of  the 
tangible  expressions  of  the 
Christmas  spirit.  Transporta- 
tion difficulties  and  the  war  will 


prevent  many  a  family  retmioii; 
scarcity  of  commodities  maj^ 
eiimmate  some  friends  from  the 
gitt  list;  even  the  dinner  table 
may  not  be  so  generously  set  as 
in  other  years.  Does  all  of  this 
mean  that  the  Christmas  spirit 
must  in  consequence  be  limited 
too?  No!  If  meditation  upon 
cne  significance  of  God's  Gift  to 
yuu;  a  rejoicing  spirit  inspired 
Dy  Messiah's  coming;  and  self- 
giving  to  God  and  to  others  in 
ioyal,  loving  service  are  the  true 
expressions  of  the  Christmas 
spirit, — then  no  circumstance, 
however  stringent,  can  keep  you 
irom  celebratmg  Christmas. 

FORCEFUL  FACTS  AND  # 
FIGURES 

There  are  in  the  United  States 
436  places  to  get  a  drink  for 
every  210  places  to  get  religion. 

The  liquor  dealers  frequently 
say  that  they  pay  large  taxes  to 
the  United  States  Government, 
but  they  fail  to  say  that  they  col- 
lect these  taxes  from  their  cus- 
tomers, together  with  several 
times  the  amount  by  way  of  in- 
come for  themselves. 

Last  year  the  liquor  sellers  of 
the  U.  S.  took  in  between  $8,000 
and  $10,000  each.  They  also 
"took  in"  the  suckers  who  spent 
the  money,  the  legitimate  busi- 
ness men  whose  sales  were  less, 
and  the  silly  chumps  who  votjd 
for  repeal  and  now  have  to  p^ 
greatly  increased  taxes  to  care 
for  the  consequences  of  the 
legalized  sale  of  liquor.  < 

— The  Voice, 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


11 


I  In  complying  with  the  Edi- 
tor's request  to  contribute  an 
article  to  each  issue  of  the  Bi- 
ble Vision,  it  occurred  to  me 
that  miscellaneous  accounts  of 
experiences  and  impressions  of 
my  work  as  an  army  chaplain 
might  be  interesting  to  readers 
and  acceptable  to  the  Editor.  Be- 
sides, it  will  relieve  me  of  the 
difficult  undertaking  of  at- 
tempting to  produce  literary  ex- 
positions with  little  time  and 
less  books  on  hand.  I  therefore 
hope  that  this  type  of  contribu- 
tion will  be  acceptable  to  all 
concerned. 

One  of  the  first  experiences  in 
the  army  is  at  once  baffling  and 
Jiumbling.  It  is  the  conscious- 
P^iess  of  one's  insignificance  in  an 
organization  of  vast  size  and 
amid  forces  far  larger  than  one 
can  comprehend.  One  sees  only 
a  small  segment  of  the  whole, 


Observations  of  An 
Army  Chaplain 

By 

Chaplain  S.  A.  Witmer 


This  contribution  will  be  welcomed 
as  a  regular  feature  of  the  Bible  Vision 
from,  Rev.  S.  A.  Witmer  who  is  on 
leave  of  absence  from  his  position  as 
Dean  of  the  Fort  Wayne  Bible  Insti- 
tute for  the  duration  of  the  war.  He 
is  serving  as  chaplain  at  the  Army  Air 
Base,  Harvard,  Nebraska. 


and  he  frequently  can  only  guess 
what  relation  it  has  to  the  en- 
tire pattern.  The  structure  of 
the  army  is  exceedingly  complex, 
and  one  has  difficulty  at  times 
knowing  all  the  angles  of  his 
own  job  let  alone  attempting  to 
understand  how  it  meshes  into 
the  larger  gears  at  the  top. 

For  instance,  an  air  base  chap- 
lain works  under  the  authority 
of  his  Base  Commanding  Of- 
ficer, but  he  is  also  responsible 
to  the  Supervising  Chaplain  of 
his  Wing,  to  the  Chaplain  of  his 
Air  Force,  the  Chaplain  of  the 
Air  Corps,  and  eventually  to  the 
Chief  of  Chaplains.  The  de- 
tailed monthly  report  of  his 
activities  passes  through  these 
consecutive  echelons. 

In  his  work  on  the  base,  the 
chaplain  is  related  to  many  dif- 
ferent departments.  As  the 
custodian  of  the  chapel  and   its 


12 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


equipment,  he  secures  some  sup- 
plies from  his  area  Service 
Command,  some  from  the  Quar- 
termaster, some  from  the  Post 
Engineer,  and  some  from  the 
Chief  of  Chaplains.  For  assist- 
ance and  information  regarding 
men  he  goes  to  S-1  (Personnel). 
For  clearance  of  certain  civilian 
activities  he  goes  to  S-2  (Intel- 
ligence and  Public  Relations). 
For  educational  helps  such  as 
maps,  projectors,  etc.,  he  goes  to 
S-3  (Training).  For  office  sup- 
plies he  goes  to  S-4  (Supply) .  If 
he  needs  transportations  he 
calls  the  Motor  Pool.  If  it  is 
necessary  to  check  a  soldier's 
family  status,  he  gets  in  touch 
with  the  Red  Cross.  He  also  con- 
fers frequently  with  Special 
Service  Department  and  the 
Courts  and  Boards  Officer,  as 
well  as  the  respective  command- 
ing officers  of  squadrons. 

It  follows  that  when  one  is 
inside  the  army  he  is  hardly  in 
a  position  to  gain  a  perspective 
of  the  whole  nor  does  he  neces- 
sarily become  familiar  with  the 
progress  of  the  war  in  its  global 
aspects.  One  occasionally  hears 
a  soldier  say  that  he  was  up  on 
news  of  the  war  before  he  got 
into  the  army.  There  are  news 
releases  and  excellent  maps  post- 
ed for  the  information  of  soldiers 
but  they  usually  transmit  news 
that  civilians  have  through  their 
newspapers  and  radios. 

But  a  chaplain  on  an  air  base 
does  see  many  interesting  things. 
He  sees  men  from  privates  to 


colonels,  flying  crews  and  ground 
echelons,  motor  vehicles  from^ 
jeeps  to  tractor-transports,  func- 
tional buildings  of  all  shapes 
and  sizes,  aeroplanes  and  hang- 
ars. But  of  far  greater  impor- 
tance, he  sees  the  desperate  moral 
and  spiritual  needs  of  men  with 
their  varied  problems  and  ill- 
adjustments,  their  heartaches 
and  their  sins.  He  sees  men  in 
the  raw  as  the  thin  veneer  of 
culture  is  removed  and  the  more 
elemental  forces  are  revealed. 
He  sees  life  at  its  best  and  at 
its  worst.  Through  the  exigen- 
cies of  war  some  live  nobly  and 
unselfishly.  Others  tend  to  live 
on  the  low  level  of  animal  satis-^ 
factions  after  the  restraints  o:^ 
home  are  removed. 

In  the  face  of  these  desperate 
needs,  the  healing,  cleansing, 
purifying,  enobling  power  of  the 
Gospel  is  appreciated  anew.  The 
heroic  qualities  of  the  Christian 
faith  stand  out  with  new  luster 
as  blustering  "he-men"  turn 
weak  and  cowardly  through  fear 
when  mortal  danger  looms 
ahead.  It  is  gratifying  to  see  that 
men  can  live  a  victorious  life  for 
Christ  in  the  army. 

But  at  this  point  a  chaplain 
faces  a  serious  problem.  He 
stands  between  men  who  are  in 
desperate  need  and  God's  great  ' 
salvation.  It  is  his  task  to  bring 
men  to  realize  God's  plan  and^i 
offer  of  salvation.  And  that  is 
his  problem,  for  the  religious  il- 
lit'^^racy  in  the  army  is  almost 
unbelievable.     Most  young  men 


THE    BIBLE     VISION 


19 


have  had  no  adequate  Christian 
j\  training  and  many  of  them  had 
become  skeptical  before  in- 
duction largely  through  skepti- 
cal teachers  in  schools  and  col- 
leges. 

There  are,  of  course,  a  few 
who  know  God  and  who  know 
their  Bibles.  Their  influence  is 
great.  God  bless  each  one  of 
them.  But  on  the  whole  this  is 
a  generation  that  needs  to  be- 
gin with  the  primer  and  to 
learn  the  "first  principles"  of  the 
faith. 

One  must  therefore  speak 
plainly  and  simply  in  the  army. 


Little  self-denials,  little  hon- 
esties, little  passing  words  of 
sympathy,  little  nameless  acts  of 
kindness,  little  silent  victories 
over  favorite  temptations — these 
are  the  silent  threads  of  gold 
which,  when  woven  together, 
gleam  out  so  brightly  in  the  pat- 
tern of  life  that  God  approves. 
— F.  W.  Farrar. 


When  God  says  to  us,  "Give 
Me  your  load,  trust  Me;  what 
you  cannot  do,  I  will  do  for  you," 
He  puts  our  faith  to  one  of  the 
strongest  tests.  He  never  con- 
sents to  carry  our  burdens  un- 
less we  give  them  to  Him. 

— T.  L.  Cuyler. 


D 


Jesus,  Thine  all  victorious  love 
Shed  in  my  heart  abroad; 

Then  shall  my  feet  no  longer  rove, 
Rooted  and  fixed  in  God, 


FORCEFUL  FACTS  AND 
FIGURES 

Mrs.  Franklin  D.  Roosevelt  re- 
cently called  attention  to  a  great 
increase  in  the  number  of  illegit- 
imate children  born  to  adoles- 
cent war-workers  and  girls  of 
high  school  age,  and  suggested 
that  placing  the  accent  on  ice 
cream  sodas,  rather  than  on 
liquor,  might  help  correct  the 
situation.  Girls  around  13  to  16 
years  old,  whose  mothers  work, 
loiter  around  factories,  where 
boys  from  17  to  19  are  employed 
to  replace  their  older  brothers 
who  have  gone  to  war.  These 
youngsters,  said  the  first  lady, 
have  money  in  their  pockets  for 
the  first  time,  and  are  eager  to 
spend  it.  Inevitably  their  steps 
lead  to  speak-easies,  night  clubs, 
honky-tonks,  and  the  result  is  a 
great  increase  in  illegitimate 
births.  She  advocates  a  recre- 
ation program  that  emphasizes 
ice  cream  sodas  rather  than  beer 
or  liquor. 

The  Christian  forces  have  been 
advocating  this  for  years.  If  our 
youth  are  to  be  saved  from  ruin 
the  places  that  bring  it  about  and 
the  liquor  traffic  that  causes  it 
must  be  stamped  out.  What  a 
tragedy  that  the  first  lady  failed 
to  see  this  long  ago  instead  of 
helping  to  repeal  the  18th 
Amendment  and  telling  the 
American  women  that  it  is  all 
right  to  drink  if  they  drink  like 
ladies  (as  if  a  woman  could 
drink  and  remain  a  lady). 

— Exchange^, 


14 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


The  Third  Generation 

By 
Lillian  M,  Zeller 

As  Librarian  at  the  Bible  Institute, 
Miss  Zeller  browsed  one  day  among  her 
volumes  and  was  thrilled  to  find  a  shelf 
worn  volume  suddenly  made  modern  by 
the  rise  of  Lt.  General  Sir  William  Dobbie 
the  illustrious  defender  of  Malta.  Her 
abridged  report  of  the  volume  is  a  most 
fascinating  instance  of  the  high  art  of 
fishing  for  men. 

More  than  a  hundred  years 
ago  a  British  battalion  was  ly- 
ing in  The  Madras  Presidency 
during  one  of  the  hottest  mon- 
soons. All  day  long  the  canton- 
ments were  as  still  as  death,  for 
it  was  only  before  sunrise  and 
after  sunset  that  any  European 
could  move.  In  the  midst  of  this 
ennui  an  announcement  was 
made,  "Hebich  is  coming."  This 
news  was  the  topic  of  conversa- 
tion at  mess  that  evening.  To 
Major  Dobbie  and  most  of  his 
company  this  unique  character 
was  a  stranger. 

Samuel  Hebich,  who  went  to 
India  from  Basel  Mission  college 
in  Germany  was  known  as  the 
"Master  Fisher  of  Men."  Like 
his  Lord  he  would  rather  save  a 
soul  than  eat.  This  passion  sent 
him  to  the  haunts  of  all  classes, 
from  the  proud  British  officer  to 
the  slaves  of  the  lowest  caste  in 
India.  The  secret  of  his  success 
lay  in  the  bait  he  used  —  the 
Book,  the  holy  Word  of  God. 

Herewith  Major  Dobbie    tells 


his  own  story. 

"I  think  it  was  just  the  very 
hottest  part  of  the  day,  if  there 
could  be  any  comparison  in  the 
heat.  There  wasn't  a  man 
stirring,  even  the  blacks  were 
overcome.  I  was  lying,  lazily 
smoking  a  cigarette,  dreamily 
listening  to  the  slow  creaking  of 
the  punkah  going  above  my 
head,  doors  and  windows  all 
open,  without  a  thought  of  •  a 
visitor,  when  a  step  sounded 
through  the  verandah.  Had  I 
been  more  wide  awake  I  might 
have  taken  a  different  kind  of 
interest  in  the  stranger's  ap- 
proach, and  been  more  on  my 
guard.  I  heard  the  footsteps 
grow  more  distinct  as  their  own- 
er drew  nearer.  There  was  a 
fascination  about  their  even  and 
firm  tread,  which  made  one  lis- 
ten. They  somehow  conveyed  an 
idea  of  dignity  and  command. 


THE    BIBLE    VISION  15 

**1  listened  for  a  diallenge  of  distance. 

h      some  kind  from  my  servant,  but  '^After  a  few  moments'  silence 

he  must  have  taken  advantage  he  said  abruptly,  'Get  down  the 

of  the  heat  to  have  a  nap  on  his  book.' 

own     account.       The     footsteps  '*I  crossed  the  room  and  stood 

crossed  the  threshold  and  came  before  my  book-shelves.     I  did 

up  to  the  door  of  my  room.     I  not  need  him  to  tell  me    what 

turned  my  head  to  see  who  it  book.     There     were     books     of 

could  be,  and  there  stood  a  tall,  fiction  there,  I  knew  it  was  none 

gaunt  man;  his  first  appearance  of  them;  it  was  truth  he  wanted, 

indeed  might  have  provoked   a  and  somehow  I  seemed  for  the 

smile.    He  looked  almost  a  sub-  first  time   to  despise  them  my- 

ject  for  burlesque,  with  his  long,  self.      There     were     regulation 

loose,  black  coat,  his  huge  green  books,   and   technical   works   on 

umbrella    under  his    arm,    and  tactics  of  war;   but  these  were 

large  hat  in  his  lean  hand.    But  not  for  him;  his  was  an  errand 

as  you  looked  into  his  face  you  of  peace.     There  in  a  neglected 

felt  yourself  wicked  for  having  corner   was    my    Bible,    a   book 

such  a  thought.    It  was  his  look  that   formed   part  of   every    of- 

9     at  you  that  impress  you.    It  was  ficer's  outfit,  as  well  as  private's 

the  power  in  those  eyes  to  read  kit.  But  I  had  never  even  opened 

you  through   and   through,    not  it.     My  hand  sought   it   readily 

with  contempt,  but  with  pity  for  now. 

yourself  which  you  could  not  re-  '1  brought  it  back  to  my  seat 
sent,  nay,  which  made  you  near  the  table,  and  looked  in- 
ashamed  of  yourself,  and  ready  quiringly  at  Mr.  Hebich.  He  gave 
to  do  what  he  told  you,  as  one  an  approving  gesture  and  con- 
who  knew  far  better  what  was  tinned  gravely,  'Open  at  the  first 
good  for  you  than  you  yourself,  ohapter  of  Genesis  and  read  the 

"Mr.  Hebich,  for  it  was  he,  first  two  verses.' 
advanced  into  the  room.  I  rose  "I  read  aloud:  'In  the  be- 
to  meet  him,  tossing  my  ciga-  ginning  God  created  the  heaven 
rette  out  of  the  window.  He  made  and  the  earth.  And  the  earth 
me  a  profound  bow,  and,  hold-  was  without  form,  and  void;  and 
ing  out  his  hand  in  a  friendly  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of 
manner,  wished  me  'Good  day.'  the  deep;  and  the  Spirit  of  God 
I  returned  his  salutation  awk-  moved  upon  the  face  of  the 
wardly,    but    without    knowing  waters.' 

jv      what  to  do  next.  '"That  will  do,  shut  the  book. 

"^         "He   was   quite   as   much     at  Let  us  pray.' 

home  as  I  was  away  from  it.  He  "He  kneeled  down,  so  did  I, 

politely  motioned  me  to  a  seat,  but  what   he  prayed   I  do  not 

and  took  one  himself  at  a  little  (CoTitinued  onpage  18) 


16 


THE    BIBLE     VISION 


FOUNDERS'  MEMORIAL 


BETHii 


1. 


THE  FORT  WAYNE  BIBLE  INST 

Distinctiv 

It  is  essentially  a  school  of  the  Bible,  credit  in  Bible  courses  constituting  half  of  the      A 
credit  required  for  graduation.  ■ 


2.  It  adheres  to  the  method  of  direct  Bible  study  as  the  ideal  means  of  leading  its 
students  to  a  normally  balanced  view  of  divinely  revealed  truth. 

3.  It  believes  that  Bible  study  should  have  as  its  first  result  the  begetting  and  develop* 
ing  of  the  spiritual  life  of  the  student. 

4.  It  believes  that  the  Bible  places  upon  its  student  the  mandate,  and  high  privilege 
of  sharing  with  the  whole  race  a  knovrledge  of  the  Person  whom  it  discloses. 

5.  If  offers  courses  for  both  men  and  women,  with  specialization  in  Theology,  Missions, 
Christian  Education,  and  Sacred  Music. 


The  PEACE  of  this  world  hinges,  not  upon  wars  nor  tn 
of  its  work,  which  is  to  proclaim  the  Gospel  of  Christ  ci 
of  the  kingdom  at  Christ's  return  is  not  the  mere  visioni 
if  this  world  is  ever  to  have  an  adequate  solution  to  th(j 
possible  of  realization.  Let  our  best  young  men  and  W( 
thing  of  the  same  devotion  which  has  been  given  to  v 
pletion  of  its  task. 

Persons  interested  in  preparation  for  Gospel  mini^Y' 

i 

THE  FORT  WAYNli 

i 

FortWaynJ 


*i.i"J(^iiJS*«.i>> 


T  HE      BIBLE    VISION 


17 


[ALL 


ADMINISTRATION  BUILDING 


JTE  IN  ITS  FORTIETH  YEAR 


acts: 


6.  Its  standard  courses  are  for  High  School  graduates,  but  advanced  standing  is  giv- 
en students  who  present  college  c  redits,  and  preparatory  courses  are  offered  for 
those  who  have  not  had  the  required  High  School  courses. 

7.  Its  faculty  is  chosen  for  their  special  spiritual  and  educational  fitness. 

8.  It  operates  interdenominationally,  four  denominations  being  represented  on  the 
Governing  Board,  five  on  its  faculty,  end  more  than  twenty  in  its  student  body. 

9.  It  provides  one  semester  of  training  for  a  net  cost  of  $156.50. 

10.  It  has  first  class  equipment  including  five  large  classrooms,  men's  and  women's 
dormitories,  gymnasium,  library,  soundproof  music  studios  and  practice  rooms — all 
situated  on  a  spacious  wooded  campus  in  an  exclusive  residential  part  of  Fort 
Wayne. 


s  of  peace,  but  upon  the  completion  by  the  Church 
^is  kingdom  to  all  people  of  the  earth.  The  coming 
^practical  philosophers;  it  is  a  practical  necessity 
which  plague  it.  Nor  is  the  goal  of  the  church  im- 
1  respond  to  the  task  of  world  evangelism  in  some- 
md  this  generation,  we  believe,  may  see  the  com- 


mvited  to  write: 


ILE  INSTITUTE 
tidiana 


18 


tHB    BIBLB    VISION 


THE  THIRD  GENERATION 

(Continued  from  page  15) 

know;  I  was  moved  with  a 
strange,  new  impulse.  I  could 
not  think  two  thoughts  together. 
I  didn't  know  what  to  think,  or 
say,  or  do.  I  was  bewildered 
with  these  questions: — ^What 
must  I  do?  What  is  it  I  want? 
To  whom  shall  I  go? 

"Mr.  Hebich  rose,  and  gravely 
shaking  hands,  bowed  himself 
out,  and  departed  as  he  had  en- 
tered, I  could  not  go  to  mess 
that  night.  Partly  I  was  afraid, 
though  no  one  ever  accused  me 
of  being  a  coward;  partly  I  was 
unfit  to  meet  any  one.  It  was 
as  much  as  I  could  do  to  go 
through  my  duty. 

"Next  day  I  was  lying  idle  as 
on  the  previous  day,  only  with  a 
strange  wondering  on  me  and  a 
sort  of  dread  as  to  what  was 
coming,  and  yet  a  desire  to  see 
it  all  out.  Not  a  sound  or  move- 
ment, but  just  the  punkah  going 
overhead. 

"Once  more  a  step  was  heard 
— the  same  step  as  yesterday — 
away  outside,  entering  the  com- 
pound; crossing  it;  on  the 
threshold;  at  the  door;  and 
there  was  Mr.  Hebich  again. 

"Again  I  rise  to  return  his 
'Good  day.'  Again  I  am  awk- 
ward and  off  my  guard.  Again 
I  am  motioned  to  a  seat,  and 
after  the  same  solemn  silence 
the  order  comes:  'Get  down  the 
book.' 

"Again  the  walk  to  the  book- 
shelf, my  hand  unerringly  reach- 


ing down  tJie  Bible,  and  I  take 
my  seat.  ^ 

"  'Open  at  the  first  chapter  of^ 
Genesis  and  read  the    first   two 
verses.' 

"I  read  again  aloud:  'In  the 
beginning  God  created  the  heav- 
en and  the  earth.  And  the  earth 
was  without  form,  and  void;  and 
darkness  was  upon  the  face  of 
the  deep;  and  the  Spirit  of  God 
moved  upon  the  face  of  the 
waters.' 

"  'That  will  do,  shut  the  book. 
Let  us  pray.' 

"This  time  I  listened  to  his 
prayer.  What  a  prayer  it  was! 
I  had  never  heard  prayer  but 
from  a  book  before.  It  was  just 
like  a  man  talking  to  his  friend.  4|l 
He  told  the  'Dear  Father'  all  ^ 
about  me.  He  asked  Him  to 
show  me  to  myself,  and  make  me 
abhor  myself,  and  flee  from  my- 
self to  Christ. 

"Again  he  left  as  he  had  done 
the  day  before.  The  Bible  lay 
open  on  the  table.  I  could  not 
close  it,  or  put  it  away.  I  could 
do  nothing  but  go  back  to  it,  and 
sit  down  there  like  a  schoolboy 
that  has  been  turned  at  his  les- 
son. I  read  those  verses  over  and 
over  again,  until  they  burned  in- 
to my  very  soul. 

"I  did  not  need  an  interpreter. 
The  words  were  their  own  com- 
mentary. It  just  meant  me.  Yes, 
I  was  like  that  earth,  without  -. 
form,  and  void.  It  was  sin  that  w 
made  me  so,  and  the  darkness  of 
unconcern  and  unbelief  just  kept 
my  real  state  out  of  sight,  and 
out  of  mind. 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


19 


"  'And  the  Spirit  of  God  moved 
1)  upon  the  face  of  the  waters.* 

•  .Vas  this  strange  man's  won- 
derful power  over  me,  bringing 
me  by  his  prayer  into  contact 
with  the  living  God,  just  the 
moving  of  the  Spirit  of  God?  If 
ever  man  was  humbled,  con- 
vinced of  his  need  as  an  undone 
man,  if  ever  sin  in  all  its  sinful- 
ness became  a  reality  to  any  one, 
it  was  so  with  me.  The  scales 
of  pride,  prejudice,  worldliness, 
fell  from  my  eyes. 

"How  I  passed  the  time  until 
next  day  I  know  not.  I  thought 
not  of  the  heat.  I  was  aroused 
to  a  new  interest.  It  was  the 
stirring  towards  a  new  life,  the 
hour  that  precedes  the  dawn. 

"Again  that  step  was  heard 
entering  the  compound.  I  waited 
with  suppressed  expectation.  I 
had  my  Bible  open,  I  was  ready 
with  my  book  for  the  teacher. 
My  heart  was  full.  I  rose  and 
grasped  his  hand.  'Mr.  Hebich, 
I  see  it  all.    What  must  I  do?* 

"He  looked  on  me  with  all  the 
yearning  of  spiritual  affection. 
'My  son'  (his  faith  took  me  to 
his  heart  as  already  such  in  the 
Gospel),  'God  said,  Let  there  be 
light!'  'Believe  on  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be 
saved!' 

"He  pointed  me  to  the  Cross 
of  Calvary,  where  Jesus  took 
f  my  ruin  and  made  it  His,  and 
then  upward  to  the  throne, 
where,  as  my  Risen  Life,  He 
could  make  God's  righteousness 
mine. 


*^We  knelt  down  together,  and 
that  day  I  prayed  for  the  first 
time  without  a  book,  and 
thanked  the  Lord  for  life  eternal 
through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ." 

This  striking  story  is  closely 
related  to  our  present  interests 
in  this  global  war,  for  this  Major 
Dobbie  is  the  grandfather  of  Lt. 
General  Sir  William  Dobbie,  the 
valiant  defender  of  Malta  and  an 
outstanding  Christian.  His  tes- 
timony of  divine  protection  and 
deliverance  during  the  siege  of 
Malta,  when  his  forces  were  far 
outnumbered  by  the  enemy,  is 
as  wonderful  as  that  of  Elisha 
at  Dothan.  The  same  words, 
spoken  to  the  old  prophet,  came 
to  him  with  fresh  assurance. 
"Fear  not,  for  they  that  be  with 
us  are  more  than  they  that  be 
with  them." 

Here  is  the  fulfillment  of  God's 
promise  to  the  third  generation 
of  them  that  fear  Him. — Adapted 
from  the  biography  of  Samuel 
Hebich. 


"When  we  fill  our  time  with 
regret  over  yesterday's  failures 
and  with  worry  over  tomorrow's 
problems  we  have  no  today  in 
which  to  praise  God." 

— Mrs.  Charles  Stalker. 


Christ  is  the  holiest  among  the 
mighty,  the  mightiest  among  the 
holy,  whose  pierced  hands  lifted 
empires  off  their  hinges  and 
turned  the  streams  of  time  into 
new  channels  and  still  governs 
the  ages." — John  Paul  Richter. 


20 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


The  Testimony  of  a  Man  Who  Knew 


J.  Pritchard  Amstutz 


Words  penned  by  this  writer 
may  not  hold  much  weight.  But 
I  should  like  to  write  through 
the  words  of  a  man  who  spoke 
and  wrote  hundreds  of  years  ago. 
His  message  still  burns  as  forc- 
ibly if  not  more  so  than  it  did 
in  the  hour  of  its  penning  and 
this  man  needs  no  introduction 
or  apology. 

Let  me  take  a  minute  to  in- 
troduce you  to  the  real  writer 
of  this  article.  His  credentials 
are  not  those  written  by  man 
nor  are  they  letters  inscribed  be- 
hind his  name.  They  are  in  the 
chain  scars  upon  his  wrists  and 
ankles.  They  are  in  the  long, 
visible  welts  that  criss-cross  his 
back,  mute  momentoes  of  the 
Roman  lash.  They  are  in  the 
irregular  contour  of  his  features 
and  body  where  the  stones  have 
mangled  him.  They  are  in  his, 
deep  sombre  eyes,  grown  wise 
from  experience  of  hardship  and 
suffering. 

Pause  at  this  wise  man's  feet 
for  a  moment  and  hear  his 
story: 

"I  am  a  Jew  by  nationality  but 
a  Roman  citizen  by  choice.  I 
was  educated  in  the  best  schools 
of  my  day.  I  was  respected  as 
a  scholar  in  both  Jewish  his- 
tory and  law  and  in  my  knowl- 
edge of  Roman  teaching  and  cul- 
ture. I  was  one  of  three  thou- 
sand earnest  students  of  the 
finest  teacher  of  our  land,  Ga- 


maliel. Here  in  addition  to  Jew- 
ish and  Roman  culture  we 
learned  all  there  was  to  know  of 
Greek  culture. 

I  had  riches  and  authority.  I 
had  influence  with  both  the 
Jews  and  the  Roman  govern- 
ment. I  had  a  great  future  as  a 
ruler.  If  ever  the  gods  smiled 
on  a  man,  so  to  speak,  I  was 
that  man. 

'T  was  zealous  in  my  church 
work  and  took  it  upon  myself  to 
defend  the  faith  of  my  fathers 
against  all  heresy,  especially 
that  fanatical  little  group  called  ^ 
Christians.  9 

"It  was  in  my  persecution  of 
these  that  the  thing  occurred 
that  changed  my  whole  life.  I 
was  coming  across  the  desert 
wastes  on  my  way  to  the  city  of 
Damascus  when  suddenly  the 
light  of  heaven  shone  down  up- 
on me  and  I  was  knocked  to 
the  ground  by  an  unseen  force 
and  I  heard  a  voice  saying,  'Saul, 
Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  me?' 

"The  things  of  my  life  that  I 
saw  in  that  flash  can  never  be 
revealed.  The  vision  that  I  had 
is  beyond  the  power  of  expres- 
sion, but  I  was  keenly  aware 
that  I  was  in  the  presence  of  the 
living  God.  In  the  short  time 
that  He  spoke  to  me  I  was  posi-  M 
tive  that  here  was  the  person  " 
for  whom  my  heart  had  craved 
for  many  years.  I  yielded  my 
life  to  Him  and  felt  the  sweep 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


tl 


of  peace  creeping  over  my  in- 
H)  nermost  being.  Ah,  yes,  that 
was  the  day  I  began  to  really 
live — the  day  that  Christ  came 
in. 

"The  years  have  fled  in  haste 
and  the  way  has  been  hard  and 
discouraging  at  times,  but  I'm 
glad  I  met  Him.  It  was  a  bit 
hard  when  my  old  friends 
wouldn't  understand.  It  gripped 
my  heart  sometimes  to  pass  by 
the  mansions  and  possessions 
that  had  once  been  mine  and 
see  the  richly  clad  throng  pass- 
ing to  and  fro  while  I  had  no 
place  to  call  my  own  and  only 
rags  to  cover  my  shivering  body. 
I  Sharp  pangs  pierced  my  heart 
^  when  I  saw  the  crowds  in  the 
synagogue  and  market-place 
listening  spell-bound  to  a 
silver-tongued  orator  discours- 
ing on  the  law  and  politics  and 
things  about  which  I  knew  so 
much,  when  I  remembered  so 
vividly  how  they  now  reviled 
me,  cursed  me,  and  stoned  me 
when  I  was  only  striving  to  help 
them  on  to  God! 

"I  have  lived  from  hand  to 
mouth  always  just  a  step  ahead 
of  the  executioner's  axe.  I've 
lived  in  prisons  and  suffered 
much  chatisement.  I've  been 
shipwrecked  and  drug  before 
courts.  My  Roman  friend,  Bur- 
rushas,  died  and  now  I  am  con- 
\  fined  here  in  the  midst  of  the 
Roman  barracks  awaiting  trial 
and  probably  death. 

"What  are  my  thoughts?    Am 


I  glad  for  the  choice  I  made? 
Would  I  do  the  same  thing  again 
if  I  had  to  retrace  my  steps? 
I  shall  answer  with  an  emphatic 
'Yes.'  Since  the  day  I  met  Je- 
sus first  He  has  never  forsaken 
me.  When  I  slept  on  the  cold 
stone.  He  watched  at  my  side; 
when  I  suffered  from  hunger.  He 
satisfied  my  soul;  when  I  stood 
before  princes  and  rulers.  He 
filled  my  mouth;  when  I  faced 
the  angry  mob.  He  held  my  hand 
as  cruel  stones  battered  my 
cringing  body  until  my  senses 
fled.  Life  has  been  rich.  He  has 
never  forsaken  me,  never  left 
me  alone. 

"How  many  lives  have  been 
changed!  How  many  hell-bound 
wretches  have  I  seen  look  upon 
the  Lamb  of  God  and  receive 
rest!  How  many  there  are  that 
call  me  blessed! 

"  'I  have  fought  a  good  fight, 
I  have  finished  the  course,  I 
have  kept  the  faith,  henceforth 
there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown 
of  righteousness.  .  .  .'  I  am  home- 
sick for  heaven.  My  struggle 
will  soon  be  over  and  I  shall 
walk  the  streets  of  Glory  very 
soon  and  see  my  blessed,  blessed 
Jesus  face  to  face. 

"Now  what  is  my  testimony  to 
you?  I,  Paul  the  Apostle  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  hereby  go  on 
record  with  this  testimony: 

"But  what  things  were  gain 
to  me,  those  I  counted  loss  for 
Christ  .  .  .  and  I  count  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of 
the   knowledge   of  Christ  Jesus 


22 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


my  Lord:  for  whom  I  have  suf- 
fered the  loss  of  all  things,  and 
do  count  them  but  dung  (re- 
fuse) ,  that  I  may  win  Christ  .  .  . 
that  I  may  know  him,  and  the 
power  of  his  resurrection.  .  .  ." 

What  kind  of  an  acquaintance 
is  this  of  which  Paul  speaks?  If 
a  man  will  consider  all  these 
desirable,  legitimate  things  as 
loss  or  refuse  in  order  that  he 
might  know  Christ,  surely  to 
know  this  Christ  must  be  the 
highest  achievement  a  human 
being  can  attain.  Certainly  a 
testimony  like  this  holds  great 
weight!  We  can  not  pass  over 
it  lightly. 

Note  that  after  serving  Christ 
for  many  years,  and  after  hav- 
ing communion  and  fellowship 
with  Him  time  after  time,  and  aft- 
er proving  Him  in  many  circum- 
stances, Paul  still  expresses  his 
heartfelt  desire  to  know  Him  bet- 
ter. "That  I  might  know  Him 
and  the  power  of  His  resurrec- 
tion." Do  we  who  profess  to 
be  Christ's  followers  know  Him 
well  enough? 

Let  us  ask  ourselves  several 
questions  in  connection  with 
Paul's  testimony. 

Do  we  know  Christ  as  our  per- 
sonal Saviour?  (H  Peter  1:10.) 
That  is  the  basis  or  foundation  of 
our  Christian  walk  (John  5:24). 
Do  we  know  the  time  when  our 
sins  were  forgiven  and  were 
washed  in  His  precious  blood? 
That  is  the  first  step. 

Then  do  we  know  Him  as  our 
Sanctifier?      (Ephesians     5:26.) 


Have  we  consecrated  all  to  Him 
and  do  we  know  of  a  time  when  f| 
He  set  us  apart  for  His  glory 
and  filled  us  with  the  Holy 
Spirit?  (Luke  11:13.)  We  need 
to    be   very   definite   concerning  J 

this  great  privilege.    It  is  for  us  ■ 

and   we  know     when     it  takes 
place. 

Do  we  know  Him  as  the  Great 
Physician,  our  Healer?  Do  we 
believe  that  provision  for  heal- 
ing of  the  body  was  included  in 
the  atonement?  To  have  Him 
care  for  our  physical  bodies  is 
also  our  high  privilege  (James 
5:14,  15). 

And  last,  do  we  know  Him  as 
our  Coming  King?  (Matthew  25:  ^ 
31.)  Are  we  waiting  for  His 
glorious  return  and  the  time 
when  we  shall  see  His  face? 
What  a  blessed  day  that  will  be! 

With  Paul,  let  us  resolve  anew 
to  know  Him  and  the  power  of 
His  resurrection! 


GOD  BLESS  OUR  SERVICE 
BOYS 

(Tune:    God  Bless  America) 

God  bless  our  Service  Boys 
Boys  whom  we  love; 

Walk  beside  them  and  guide  them 
In  the  light  of  Thy  love  from 
above 

Hold  them  safely  in  Thy  keeping 
Till   this   world-wide    war    is 
o'er, 

God  bless  our  Service  Boys  for- 
evermore 

God  bless  our  Service  Boys  for- 
evermore. 


THB    BIBLB    VISION 


23 


Children  Are  Real  People 

By 
Helen  P.  White 


This  is  the  first  of  a  number  of  articles  of  practical 
importance  to  teachers  of  children.  Miss  White  is  pro- 
fessor of  Christian  Education  courses  at  the  Fort  Wayne 
Bible  Institute. 


Edward,  aged  four  enters  the 
room. 

A.  visitor  has  come  to  the  house 
and  is  carrying  on  a  conversation 
with  the  adult  members  of  the 
home.  She  speaks  with  a  natu- 
ralness of  voice  and  manner.  Ed- 
ward has  been  lingering  at  the 
portal  but  having  heard  a  new 
voice  has  hesitated  about  enter- 
ing. Finally  his  curiosity  has 
triumphed  over  timidity.  He 
steals  into  the  room,  probably 
creeping  softly  towards  his 
mother,  his  eye  all  the  while  on 
the  visitor.  The  introduction  is 
made.  The  visitor  responds  with 
a  smiling  voice: 

"Oh,  is  your  name  Edward, 
that's  a  nice  name  isn't  it!" 

He  is  shocked,  perhaps,  by  the 
sudden  change  of  voice  from 
what  he  had  been  hearing  while 
he  was  still  in  hiding.  He  simply 
stares  and  says  nothing,  much  to 
the  embarrassment  of  his  moth- 
er and  to  the  surprise  of  the 
guest.  Edward  is  neither  inter- 
ested in  the  smiling  voice  nor  in 
the  announcement  that  he  has  a 
nice  name.  How  much  better  it 
would  have  been  to  have  made 


a  simple  recognition  of  the  in- 
troduction. She  may  have  spoken 
even  so  briefly  as  this:  "How 
do  you  do,  Edward."  The  aver- 
age child  has  heard  such  expres- 
sions and  is  likely  to  feel  at 
home  with  them.  Even  if  he 
does  not  feel  at  home  with  the 
words,  he  will  feel  the  sincerity 
of  the  visitor's  pleasure  in  know- 
ing him.  A  smile  in  the  voice 
is  thoroughly  welcome  upon  the 
occasion  of  meeting  children 
when  it  is  natural  but  when  i1 
is  that  colorless  eternal  smile  i1 
becomes  exceedingly  monoto- 
nous. 

Every  child  is  not  like  Ed- 
ward; timid  and  reserved.  Om 
may  be  like  the  little  lad  th( 
writer  had  in  a  Church  Schoo 
primary  department.  Someoni 
who  was  more  or  less  of 
stranger  to  the  group  asked  thi 
little  lad  in  very  "honeyed' 
tones: 

"And  what  is  your  name  littl 
boy?" 

The  answer  came  forth  em 
phatically  and  with  no  little  ai 
of  disconcerted  spirit: 


^4 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


^ 'You  know  my  name,  you  just 
heard  her  say  it,"  making  refer- 
ence to  a  teacher  in  the  group. 
It  is  true  that  she  had  heard  his 
name.  Although  the  child  is  not 
to  be  commended  for  his  ab- 
ruptness of  reply  yet  to  him  the 
lady  was  showing  obviously  that 
she  was  at  a  loss  as  to  what  she 
could  say  to  him  who  had  come 
innocently  into  her  path,  so  had 
resorted  to  this  familiar  and  trite 
means  of  approach.  Had  she  for- 
gotten or  misunderstood  the 
name,  it  would  have  been  quite 
reasonable  for  her  to  tell  him  in 
simple  frank  tones  that  she  did 
not  remember  or  would  he  tell 
her  again.  Children  are  far 
more  understanding  and  reason- 
able than  we  give  them  credit 
for  being. 

There  are  recollections  of  the 
gushing  lady  who  always  spoke 
in  italicized  words. 

"Oh,  my  dearl  How  you  have 
grown!  Why  the  last  time  I 
saw  you,  you  were  just  a  tiny 
iittle  girl.  You'll  soon  be  taller 
than  your  mother,  won't  you!" 

This  was  the  greeting  on  prac- 
:ically  every  meeting.  Needless 
:o  say  it  became  very  tedious, 
rhe  child  came  to  a  place  where 
5he  dreaded  meeting  this  lady. 
5he  didn't  like  being  told  how 
'ast  she  was  growing  and  de- 
;ermined  that  she  would  not  be 
IS  tall  as  her  mother. 

Children  are  more  sensitive  to 
)ersonal  remarks  than  the  adult 
ometimes  realizes.  How  many 
children    have    wriggled    and 


squirmed  with  genuine  embar- 
rassment because  they  have  been 
made,  consciously  or  unconsci- 
ously to  feel  that  they  were  vic- 
tims of  gushing  palaver. 

Then  there  is  the  one  who  in- 
sists on  asking  countless  ques- 
tions only  to  feel  somewhat  "let 
down"  when  a  child  finally  an- 
swers "I  don't  know"  in  tones  of 
disgust,  ■  disinterest  and  resent- 
ment. Or,  if  he  does  not  answer 
thus  verbally,  he  makes  a  bodily 
escape  as  soon  as  he  can,  leaving 
the  questioner  feeling  unwel- 
come and  unappreciated. 

Is  not  this  unnaturalness  and 
feeling  of  being  ill  at  ease  due 
in  part  at  least,  to  the  fact  that 
we  forget  that  children  are  real 
folk!     It  is  true   that  they  are 
very  immature  in  their  develop- 
ment along  all  lines  and  greatly 
lacking  in  experience  but  these 
things  make  them  no  less  real. 
They  are  not  mere  toys  for  our 
amusement  when  we   chose    to 
lay  aside  our  otherwise  self  ab- 
sorbing occupation,  nor  objects 
singled  out  simply  for  our  care 
that  they  may  be  kept  clean  and 
clothed;  nor  are  they  necessary 
evils  or  solely  creatures  solicit- 
ing our  demonstrations  of  love 
and  affection.    Children  are  live 
human  beings,  subject,  commen- 
surate to  their  development,  to 
many  features  of  life  that  touch 
the  older  folk.    They  are  then  in 
need  of  treatment  that  bespeaks 
a  well-balanced  maturity  on  the 
part  of  the  adult. 

This  unnaturalness    may    be 


THE    BIBLE     VISION 


25 


due  again  to  a  lack  of    under- 
standing of  children. 

There  come  to  mind  memories 
of  two  teachers  of  young  chil- 
dren. The  one  succeeded  well 
in  every  way,  the  other  fell 
short.  A  very  little  time  spent 
with  them  caused  one  to  observe 
that  the  children  were  with  the 
one  because  they  had  to  be. 
They  were  with  the  other,  not 
only  because  she  was  assigned 
to  them  but  because  they  wished 
to  be  with  her.  Whenever  she 
entered  the  place  where  they 
were,  they  followed  her.  They 
hurried  over  each  other's  heels 
to  get  next  to  her.  It  was  not  so 
with  the  other.  Indeed  she  was 
equally  as  bright  and  well  versed 
in  all  she  was  expected  to  teach 
them.  The  former  was  not  only 
able  and  equipped  but  had  the 
ability  to  see  through  the  chil- 
dren's eyes.  She  understood 
them.  She  shared  with  them  the 
richness  of  her  personality  and 
realized  that  they  had  something 
to  give  to  her. 

Memories  linger  vividly  and 
pleasantly  of  a  certain  gentle- 
man who  visited  in  a  home  where 
there  were  younger  members  in 
the  family.  He  endeared  him- 
self especially  to  the  little  girl 
of  four  and  one-half.  So  far  as 
she  knew,  she  was  as  definitely 
a  part  of  the  group  as  any  of  the 
older  members.  It  was  not  that 
she  was  always  included  in  the 
conversation,  however.  In  fact 
the  words  addressed  to  her  were, 
in    general    quite    casual     But 


when  this  gentleman  spoke  to 
her  his  manner  of  voice  was  just 
the  same  as  when  he  was  speak- 
ing to  the  mother  or  to  the  fa- 
ther. It  was  easy  for  that  child 
to  talk  to  him.  She  was  one  who 
naturally  felt  considerable  shy- 
ness in  the  presence  of  strangers 
but  upon  this  very  first  visit, 
there  was  such  a  responsiveness 
toward  his  friendliness  that  later 
she  was  heard  to  say:  "I  like 
Mr He  is  very  interest- 
ing" (a  word  somewhat  out  of 
the  usual  choice  of  a  child  that 
age) .  He  had  shown  such  a  sin- 
cerity and  exhibited  such  a 
naturalness  without  effort  that 
he  was  winsome  and  attractive. 
Before  the  first  evening  was 
over,  she  was  sitting  on  his  knee 
sharing  with  him  the  affairs  of 
her  own  little  world  and  to- 
gether they  talked  as  if  on  mat- 
ters of  truly  mutual  concern  and 
interest.  He  had  the  ability  of 
recognizing  young  children  as 
real  people. 

As  teachers,  have  you  ever 
tried  to  listen  in  on  your  speech? 
If  so  what  has  it  told  you?  How 
many  of  us  have  been  or  are 
guilty  of  talking  down  to  chil- 
dren, our  voices  being  on  such 
a  pitch  as  to  make  them  appear 
to  be  waving  to  the  child  from 
way  out  there:  a  too  breezy 
style. 

Am  I  as  a  teacher,  meeting 
these  children  with  a  man  to 
man  approach  rather  than  with 
the  air  of  condescension?  Let  us 
not  tire  then;i  by  always  having 


26 


THE    BIBLE     VISION 


The  Woe  of 

To  preach  the  Gospel  under 
the  irresistible  compulsion  of 
divine  love  is  the  ideal  set  be- 
fore the  servant  of  Christ.  "Ne- 
cessity is  laid  upon  me,"  cried 
the  one  who  was  not  a  whit  be- 
hind the  very  chief  est  apostles; 
"Yea,  woe  is  me  if  I  preach  not 
the  gospel."  There  was  on  his 
soul  an  urge  that  he  could  not 
escape,  a  keen  realization  that 
he  was  a  purchased  bondman  of 
the  Saviour  of  mankind,  an 
overwhelming  constraint  of  his 
inmost  spirit  that  dominated 
every  thought  and  purpose,  and 

sent  him  restlessly 
"traversing  continents   souls  to  seek 

For  the  love  of  the  Crucified." 

a  smile  in  our  voice,  or  always 
addressing  them  as  "little  chil- 
dren." 

It  is  not  to  be  overlooked  that 
we  are  to  adapt  our  vocabulary 
to  the  child's  level  of  under- 
standing and  our  topics  to  their 
particular  stage  of  interest  and 
development. 

When  we  are  considering  a 
Church  School  teacher  for  our 
children,  we  are  likely  to  be 
much  concerned  as  to  whether 
or  not  she  measures  up  to  our 
standard. 

One  of  the  requisites  for  a 
good  teacher  is  that  of  natural- 
ness and  easiness  of  speech  that 
not  only  puts  the  teacher  at  her 
ease  but  the  children  with  whom 
she  deals  at  ease  as  well.  Let 
us  live  with  our  children  as  we 
live  with  each  other. 


the  Gospel 

The  outstanding  word  that  he 
uses  regarding  himself  and  his 
ministry  is  "called."  He  was 
absolutely  certain  of  the  divine 
sum.mons  to  service  and  the  di- 
vine enduement  of  power.  Here 
is  the  great  weakness  of  an 
alarming  number  of  those  who 
stand  before  men  as  messengers 
of  God.  They  haye  no  profound 
conviction  of  their  call,  and  they 
lack  the  experience  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  in  power  from  on  high. 
The  result  is  feebleness  in  testi- 
mony and  little  impression  upon 
those  whom  they  contact  either 
through  their  pulpit  ministra- 
tions or  in  personal  work. 

The  son  of  one  of  our  mission- 
aries asked  his  father  as  to 
whether  he  ought  to  go  to  the 
field,  where  he  had  been  brought 
up  as  a  lad.  "My  boy,"  was  the 
answer;  "if  you  go  to  the  field, 
remember  1  am  not  sending  you 
there.  Your  call  must  be  direct 
from  the  Lord  Himself.  Get  it 
from  Him,  and  you  will  not 
m.ake  any  mistake."  One  of  the 
problems  that  confront  examin- 
ing committees  is  that  so  many 
candidates  who  appear  before 
them  have  no  definite  convic- 
tions. They  are  ready  to  go 
where  they  are  sent,  but  they 
want  instructions  from  this  or 
that  board  as  to  their  destination 
and  work.  But  when  the  woe 
of  the  Gospel  is  in  the  heart, 
there  will  be  also  the  go  in  the 
feet  and  the  assured  light  of  the 
Lord  upon  the  path. 

— Alliance  Weekly, 


THBl    BIBLE    VISION 


2t 


The  Bible  Institute 
Fellowship  Circle 

at  home  and  abroad 

"Truly  our  fellowship  is  with  the  Father, 
and  with  his  Son  Jesu^  Christ."— I  Jno.  1:  3. 

LuELLA    Miller,    Alumni    Editor 

YOUNG  PEOPLE  MASS  FOR 

FOURTH  ANNUAL  YOUTH 

CONFERENCE 

As  their  theme:  "American  Youth 
for  Christ,"  hundreds  of  young  people 
massed  in  the  spacious  auditorium  of 
Founders'  Memorial  on  the  beautiful 
campus  of  the  Bible  Institute  to  profit 
by  the  services  of  the  Fourth  Annual 
Youth  Conference  conducted  by  the 
students  of  the  Institute,  October  22-24. 
Through  the  ministries  of  Rev.  James 
Gibson,  the  "Irish  Evangelist"  of  Fort 
Thomas,  Kentucky,  and  Song  Evange- 
list Rev.  Roy  D.  Ramseyer  ('39),  pas- 
tor of  the  North  Street  Bible  Church, 
Jackson,  Michigan,  the  Lord  graciously 
poured  out  His  blessings  on  hungry 
hearts. 

The  five  services  of  this  conference 
were  attended  by  a  larger  number  of 
young  people  than  were  those  of  any 
previous  conference.  Youth  thronged 
together  from  numerous  churches  in 
the  city,  from  surrounding  towns  and 
cities,  and  even  from  adjoining  states. 
In  every  service  souls  responded  to 
the  urgings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and 
lined  the  altar  seeking  salvat.ion,  rec- 
lamation, a  closer  walk  with  the  Lord, 
and  the  infilling  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

The  revival  spirit  started  among  the 
students  several  weeks  before  the 
Conference  and  volumes  of  prayer  as- 
cended in  behalf  of  unsaved  youth.  In 
the  regular  chapel  service  Friday 
morning,  October  22,  the  Rev.  Charles 
Stalker,  delivered  a  stirring  message 
which  brought  students  to  their  knees 
asking  God  for  a  mighty  outpouring  of 
His  Spirit.  Throughout  the  entire  Con- 
ference this  same  spirit  persisted  not 


^ 


only  in  the  hearts  of  students  but  in 
the  hearts  of  visitors  as  well. 

A  highlight  of  the  Conference  was 
the  Sunday  afternoon  Singspiration 
conducted  by  Rev.  Roy  Ramseyer. 
song  evangelist,  in  which  the  large  au- 
ditorium echoed  and  re-echoed  with 
praises  to  God.  This  program  was 
concluded  with  the  coloring  of  a  pic- 
ture depicting  the  "Love  of  God"  by 
chalk  artist  Dingeman  Teuling,  Insti- 
tute student. 

To  these  young  people  "living  in  a 
critical  period  of  the  nation's  history" 
Rev.  Gibson  presented  such  questions 
and  challenges  as:  "Why  Do  Some  Peo- 
ple Have  More  of  God's  Spirit  Than 
Others?";  "Why  Do  Certain  Individu- 
als Refuse  Christ  a  Place  in  Their 
Lives  while  Others  Give  Him  a  Whole- 
Hearted  Welcome?";  "To  Be  Clay  In 
the  Potter's  Hands";  and  "Life's  Most 
Important  Days." 

Special  music  for  each  of  the  serv- 
ices was  furnished  by  various  Institute 
musical  organizations. 


STUDENT    MISSION    BAND    EM- 
PLOYS  VARIED   SPEAKERS 
FROM  FAR  AND  NEAR 

During    the    current    month    varied 
speakers  from  far  and  near  and  ranging 


28 


THE    BIBLE    VISION 


in  luster  tfom  eminent  missionary  lec- 
turers to  local  students  have  addressed 
the  Students'  Mission  Band  services  on 
Friday  nights  presenting  the  needs  of 
the  fields  of  the  world  and  demonstra- 
ting the  fact  that  the  field  is  the  world. 

On  September  24  four  students,  Mrs. 
Edgar  Neuenschwander,  Misses  Wau- 
neta  Shoup  and  Lavera  Amstutz,  and 
Mr.  Wayne  Brenneman,  who  labored 
for  the  Lord  in  the  mountains  of  Ken- 
tucky during  the  summer  vacation, 
narrated  their  experiences  with  the 
mountain  folk.  At  the  close  of  the 
service  several  of  the  student  body 
won  victories  at  the  altar  of  prayer. 

Rev.  P.  L.  Eicher,  business  manager 
of  the  Institute,  and  a  returned  mis- 
sionary to  India,  lectured  concerning 
his  former  missionary  work  among  the 
brown  peoples,  October  1.  He  illus- 
trated his  message  with  colored  stere- 
optican  views  of  heart-stirring  condi- 
tions in  the  land  of  his  labors. 

Students  were  privileged  to  hear 
Mrs.  Tamar  Wright  Sterling,  mission- 
ary to  India,  and  prominent  missionary 
lecturer  of  this  country,  as  they  at- 
tended Mission  Band,  October  8.  She 
graphically  pictured  the  needs  of  this 
heathen  land  and  challenged  her  lis- 
teners to  live  lives  that  are  within 
calling'  distance  of  the  Lord.  She  gave 
examples  of  the  Lord's  saving  power 
even  among  the  despised  outcasts  and 
told  how  they  are  being  used  to  wit- 
ness even  to  the  superior  Brahmans. 

Mrs.  F.  Lee  Jeffries,  missionary  to 
Japan,  Korea,  and  China  under  the 
Oriental  Missionary  Society,  addressed 
the  Mission  Band  group  Friday  night. 
October  15.  She  plead  with  the  stu- 
dents to  make  thorough  preparation 
now  while  the  door  is  closed  so  that 
they  will  be  completely  ready  to  take 
the  story  to  the  far  East  at  a  moment's 
notice  when  the  door  is  reopened. 


er  on  the  campus  to  observe  the  his^ 
toric  "Campus  Day"  Wednesday,  Octo-      | 
ber  20.     , 

Arrayed  in  working  clothes  and 
armed  with  rakes  and  baskets,  stu- 
dent and  instructor  alike  raked,  gath- 
ered, and  burned  the  dead  leaves  that 
had  served  their  usefulness  and  were 
ready  for  cremation.  As  the  leaves 
trickled  down  laying  bare  the  trees,  and 
the  air  was  laden  with  the  briskness  of 
advancing  frigid  w,eather,  and  amid  all 
signs  of  a  fleeting  autumn,  new  friend- 
ships budded  and  blossomed  forth  into 
petite  romances  among  stalwart  strip- 
lings and  fair  lassies  as  they  united 
their  efforts  in  beautifying  the 
grounds. 

The  work  completed,  the  happy  fam- 
ily assembled  for  a  picnic  lunch  as  the 
last  withered  foliage  on  the  leave  piles 
were  yet  smoldering.  After  lunch  ev- 
eryone encircled  the  dying  embers  and 
lifted  his  heart  to  God  in  joyful  song  ^ 
and  devotion. 


HISTORIC   "CAMPUS   DAY"   OB- 

SEKVED  BY  STUDENTS  AND 

ADMINISTRATION 

With  classes  completed  for  another 
day,  the  students  and  administration 
cf  the  Institute  withdrew  from  their 
studies  and  work  and  gathered  togeth- 


VISITORS  AT  THE  INSTITUTE 

The  Institute  has  been  favored  this 
year  to  have  a  number  of  very  fine 
chapel  speakers.  Among  the  recent 
ones  have  been  the  following: 

Rev.  M.  J.  Remein,  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church,  of  Hope,  Michigan.  Mr. 
Remein  is  the  father  of  Theodore,  who 
is  a  student  at  the  school  this  year. 

Dr.  Homer  Gettle,  of  the  city,  a 
prominent  business  man. 

Mrs.  Tamar  Wright  Sterling  of  De- 
troit, Michigan.  Mention  was  made 
of  her  missionary  talk  to  the  Students' 
Mission  Band,  but  at  the  chapel  serv- 
ice she  gave  us  the  marvelous  story  of 
her  healing  following  the  automobile 
accident  two  years  ago. 

Mrs.  B.  Howard  Alexander,  mission- 
ary to  China,  and  Rev.  N.  L.  Tyler, 
missionary  to  Africa,  have  been  spend- 
ing several  days  with  us  and  God  has 
made  their  lives  a  blessing  to  us  all. 
Rev.  Tyler  addressed  the  chapel  serv- 
ice one  morning  with  a  challenging 
message  to  push  forward  with  God. 

Pvt.  Darrell  Journall  gave  us  a  sur- 
prise visit  on  October  26.  He  has  been 
serving  in  the  armed  forces  overseas 


THE    BIBLE     VISION 


29 


and  'has  just  recently  been  returned 
to  McKinney,  Texas.  He  is  enjoying 
a  furlough  at  the  home  of  his  parents 
in  Salem,,  Indiana.  It  was  encouraging 
to  hear  of  the  faithfulness  of  our  God 
in  Darrell's  life  during  these  many 
months  of  service. 

Rev.  David  F.  Siemens,  of  Van  Nuys, 
California,  and  father  of  one  of  this 
year's  students,  David  Jr.,  stopped  at 
the  Institute  en  route  to  his  home  in 
Calif orna  after  making  a  survey  visit 
through  the  Dominican  Republic  in  the 
interest  of  missions.  The  student  body 
appreciated  his  timely  chapel  message. 


FIRESIDE    MEETING 

On  the  evening  of  November  2nd  all 
the  women  students,  faculty  or  fac- 
ulty-wives, and  workers  were  invited 
to  a  fireside  meeting  in  classroom  No. 
1  of  Bethany  Hall — much  to  the  dis- 
may of  the  men  students.  (The  fem- 
inine part  of  the  alumni  of  several 
years  back  will  recall  our  fireside 
meetings  held  in  the  reception  room  of 
B.  H.  We  have  outgrown  the  capacity 
of  that  room  in  later  years  and  find 
it  more  advisable  to  meet  in  the  class- 
room.) As  we  followed  directions  and 
entered  the  room  we  found  it  dimly 
lighted  and  the  decorations  were  in 
keeping  with  the  Hallowe'en  season. 
Cleverly  designed  programs  in  the 
shape  of  pumpkin  faces  had  been,  pre- 
pared by  the  Student  Council  and 
were  handed  to  each  of  us  as  we  took 
our  places.  As  one  became  curious 
and  pulled  the  white  tongue  of  the 
pumpkin  face  she  discovered  the  name 
of  her  silent  sister,  to  whom  she  will 
not  reveal  her  identity  until  at  the 
Christmas  meeting.  The  program  was 
as  follows: 

Volin  Trio,  Mrs.  J.  Pritchard  Am- 
stutz,  and  Misses  Helen  Kemmer- 
er,  and  Eleanor  Waltman 

Vocal  Solo,  Mrs.  Robert  Pfundstein 

"Living  Together,"  a  talk  by  Miss 
Helen  white 

Saxaphone  Duet,  Misses  Claudia 
Larson,  and  Phyllis  Meier 

A  lunch  was  served  at  the  .close  of 
the  program. 


THANKSGIVING  DAY  AT  THE 
INSTITUTE 

Thanksgiving  Day  forenoon  was 
spent  by  observing  the  monthly  half- 
day  of  prayer  with  all  the  students 
and  faculty  gathering  in  the  chapel. 
It  was  truly  a  time  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving  to  our  God  Who  has 
manifested  Himself  in  many  ways  to 
us  during  this  school  year.  Our 
Thanksgiving  dinner  was  served  in 
the  dining  room  at  5  o'clock.  The 
room  was  crowded  as  students,  fac- 
ulty members  and  friends  gathered 
around  "the  festive  board"  laden  with 
the  good  things  that  usually  are  in 
vogue  at  that  season  of  the  year.  The 
dining  room  was  beautfully  decorated 
in  colors  of  orange,  rust  and  brown. 
Programs  at  each  plate  were  cut  in  the 
shape  of  the  "horn  of  plenty."  Rev. 
P.  L.  Eicher  was  chairman  of  the  pro- 
gram which  opened  witk  group  sing- 
ing led  by  Prof.  Gerber;  devotions 
were  in  charge  of  President  Ramseyer; 
a  violin  sextette  was  enjoyed  followed 
by  a  chalk  drawing  by  Dingeman 
Teuling;  and  a  number  by  the  men's 
quartet,  the  program  closing  with 
prayer.  The  Lord  made  the  entire  day 
a  blessing  to  us  as  a  "family"  and  we 
thank  Him  for  His  presence  among  us 
in  all  the  activities. 


ORDINATION   OF  A  FORMER 
GRADUATE 

D.  Blanchard  Leightner  of  the  class 
of  1934  was  ordained  to  the  full  gos- 
pel ministry  on  October  24.  The  service 
was  held  in  the  Madison  Street  Bible 
Church  of  Oak  Park,  Illinois,  where 
Mr.  Leightner  has  been  assisting  for 
quite  some  time  along  with  his  radio 
work  at  the  Moody  Bible  Institute. 
The  examining  committee  was  com- 
posed of  a  number  of  ministers  and  the 
officials  of  the  church.  The  Rev.  Bu- 
chanan, pastor,  gave  the  ordination 
sermon. 

Rev.  and  Mrs.  B.  F.  Leightner,  par- 
ents, were  present  for  the  occasion. 
Mr.  Leightner  participated  in  the  or- 
dination service. 


fHB    BIBLE    VISION 


WEDDINGS 

Word  was  received  of  the  marriage 
of  Miss  Mary  Deen  Wright  ('42)  to 
Lieut  Hubert  W.  Comer  on  Sunday, 
October  31st.  The  ceremony  took  place 
in  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Mrs,  Comer  is 
employed  as  Dentist's  assistant  in 
Louisville,  Kentucky  at  the  present 
time. 

Miss  Harriet  Sweeten,  of  Camden, 
N.  J.  and  Rev.  Stanley  Rupp,  of  El- 
mira,  Ohio,  were  united  in  marriage 
on  the  evening  of  October  23rd.  The 
ceremony  was  performed  in  the  Saint 
George's  Methodist  Church  in  Camden. 
Rev.  and  Mrs.  Rupp  were  graduates 
of  the  Institute  in  the  class  of  '43,  and 
are  now  serving  in  the  Defenseless 
Mennonite  Church  in  Blufflon,  Ohio. 


JUNIOR  ALUMNI 

•  Born  to  Mr.  ('35)  and  Mrs.  Vergil 
Gerber,  of  Chicago,  a  son  on  October 
1st.  His  name  is  Richard  Lawrence. 
Mr.  Gerber  is  attending  Northern  Bap- 
tist Theological  Seminary  this  year  be- 
sides working  at  the  Christian  Service 
Center  where  he  contacts  scores  of  men 
in  uniform  with  the  gospel.  He  also 
is  assisting  with  the  devotional  hour 
over  radio  station  WMBI. 

On  October  12th  little  Stanley  Ron- 
ald arrived  at  the  home  of  Rev.  ('42) 
and  Mrs.  Richard  Reilly,  of  Nappanee. 
Indiana,  where  they  have  charge  of 
the  Mennonite  Brethren  in  Christ 
Church.  Mrs.  Reilly  was  formerly 
Ruth  Geiger  of  Pandora,  Ohio. 

Word  was  received  from  Sterling. 
Kansas  of  the  arrival  of  David  William 
Miller  on  November  4.  He  is  the  son 
of  Rev.  ('42)  and  Mrs.  Don  Miller  who 
have  charge  of  the  Missionary  Church 
in  that  city.  Mrs.  Miller  was  formerly 
Miss  Viola  Egle  from  Stratton,  Nebras- 
ka. 

Prof.  ('26)  and  Mrs.  ('31)  Oliver 
Steiner,  of  Bob  Jones  College,  Cleve- 
land, Tenn.  announce  the  arrival  of 
little  Barbara  Sue  on  November  13th. 

On  November  23rd  little  Dennis  Ray 


arrived  at  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mr». 
Wilbur  Elcher,   of  Detroitj  Michigan.^ 
Mrs.  Eicher  was  formerly  Miss  RuthfJ 
Gerber. 

The  Lord's  blessing  be  upon  these 
little  ones  and  upon  the  homes  they 
have  come  to  gladden. 


TO  BE  WITH  THE  LORD 

Friends  of  Rev.  Hiram  H.  Amstutz 
of  Pettisville,  Ohio,  were  saddened  to 
learn  of  his  death,  October  14,  1943, 
followng  a  second  paralytic  stroke. 
Funeral  services  were  conducted  Sun- 
day, October  17,  in  the  Pettisville  Mis- 
sionary Church,  in  charge  of  Rev.  B.  F. 
Leightner,  Rev.  A.  M.  Clauser,  and  the 
pastor,  Daniel  Demmin.  Rev.  and  Mrs. 
Amstutz  were  among  the  first  students 
of  the  Bible  Training  School,  having 
attended  in  1905  and  1906. 


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The  Fort  Wayne  Bible  Institute 


announces  its 


SECOND  SEMESTER 
January  2L  1944  to  May  25, 1944 


Courses  Offered: 

Survey  of  the  Prophets.  Special  Studies  in  the  Pentateuch, 
Doctrines  of  the  Bible,  The  Gospel  by  Mark,  The  Gospel  by 
John,  The  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  The  General  Epistles,  The  Book 
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(Piano,  Voice,  Organ,  Tnunpet). 


Persons  desiring  information  should  address: 

THE  FORT  WAYNE  BIBLE  INSTITUTE 
Fort  Wayne  6,  Indiana 


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I  ■ 

W  New,  Different — 

LIGHT  TOWER 

in  1944  ... 

•  A  1944  Light  Tower  is  being  published! 

•  Its  beautifully  bound  eighty  pages  portray  the 
spiritual,  academic,  and  social  life  of  the  Fort 
Wayne  Bible  Institute. 

•  The  senior  class  motto,  "Workers  together  with 
Him,"  will  be  the  theme  of  the  yearbook. 

•  This  book  deserves  entrance  into  every  home  be- 
PRICE             cause  it  presents  a  Gospel  Message. 

$Z.OU        «  Place  your  order  by  filling  in  and  mailing  the 
per  copy         coupon  as  soon  as  possible. 


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